Emergency Showers and Eyewashes

• Units must be accessible at all times - no items should be blocking access.


• In the case of chemical exposure to eyes or skin use the nearest unit and flush the injury for a minimum of 15 minutes. Be sure to leave the eyes open under the water stream to flush them.


• Get medical attention even for minor exposure. Consult the MSDS for the material and show it to your doctor/nurse.


• The campus custodial staff periodically flushes emergency eyewash stations and showers. Laboratory personnel should also flush and check the eyewashes at least monthly as a precautionary measure. Call Facilities Management at x2661 if you have concerns regarding a specific unit.


• Eyewashes are plumbed with potable water - unlike the rest of the laboratory which is often on "industrial water"- and is considered safe to use on your body.


• Many campus eyewash/shower units are not equipped with a floor drain. This is because they are so infrequently used that they did not justify the cost of a drain when the building was constructed. Also, it is illegal to flush hazardous materials down the drain.

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Last Modified February 1, 2008